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3 clusters · 10 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Drug regulation and abuse issues in Nigeria

Overview

Nigeria is facing significant public health challenges related to drug regulation and substance abuse. Activist Deji Adeyanju has called for a state of emergency and the removal of regulatory heads at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), alleging a failure to prevent counterfeit and substandard products.

Adding to these regulatory concerns, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has characterized the current state of drug distribution as a “national emergency.” Munirat Bello, the PSN Chairman in Kwara State, noted that a chaotic distribution system and sales through unlicensed outlets expose the public to unsafe treatments and misuse. The PSN intends to collaborate with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), the Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address these issues.

Simultaneously, health officials and religious leaders are addressing rising substance abuse among youth. Prof Idia Ize-Iyamu of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has proposed routine, confidential screening and counseling for students, supported by the unveiling of a new Drug Testing Centre capable of testing for over 14 substances. Edo State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Washington Osifo, has expressed readiness to support these initiatives. Additionally, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba warned that drug abuse is becoming “endemic” and called for increased collaboration between the government, schools, families, and the Church to combat trafficking and addiction.

Entities

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control · Bola Ahmed Tinubu · Edo State Ministry of Education · Church of Nigeria · Standards Organisation of Nigeria

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria urges stronger drug regulation

    The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria has urged the government to fix the country’s “chaotic” drug distribution system to prevent the use of substandard medicines and combat drug abuse.

  2. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Nigeria leaders call for urgent action against rising youth drug abuse

    Nigerian health officials and religious leaders are calling for urgent government and community intervention to address rising drug abuse and addiction among students and youth.

  3. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Nigeria activist calls for state of emergency over fake drugs

    Activist Deji Adeyanju has urged President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency and replace leadership at NAFDAC and SON due to the rise of counterfeit drugs and substandard products in Nigeria.

Sources

brandspurng.com · gistlover.com · healthreporters.info · healthwise.punchng.com · idomavoice.com · punchng.com · puoreports.ng · tori.ng · tribuneonlineng.com · von.gov.ng

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history